Early Childhood Educators (NOC 4214) may also be called:

early childhood assistant

early childhood supervisor

child-care worker

day care worker

day-care supervisor / coordinator

preschool teacher

nursery school teacher

infant and toddler educator

What Would I Do?

Early childhood educators plan and deliver programs for children between the ages of infancy and 12 years. You provide care for infants and preschool- to school-age children to ensure their security and well-being. You also lead activities that develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth.

Your duties include:

telling or reading stories

teaching songs

demonstrating the use of simple musical instruments

preparing craft materials and demonstrating their use

providing opportunities for creative expression through the media of art, dramatic play, music and physical fitness

taking the children to local points of interest

guiding and assisting children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits

observe children for signs of learning disabilities or emotional problems and take appropriate action

discuss progress or problems of children with parents and other staff members

Am I Suited For This Job?

Early childhood educators should:

enjoy working with children

have strong communication skills

be patient and understanding

be physically fit as you are required to stand, walk, bend and lift items throughout the work day

As an early childhood educator you may work varied hours. Preschool and school-based programs typically operate only during the school year, offering approximately nine months of work to both full- and part-time workers.

Daycare centres are generally open throughout the year and may have extended hours to accommodate the needs of working parents.

Although working with young children can be very rewarding, it can also be physically and emotionally tiring as working with children requires a great deal of patience.

What Are The Wages And Benefits?

Your earnings can vary widely, depending on experience, level of education, type of employer, and geographic location. Some full-time early childhood educators receive benefits, such as sick days and extended health care coverage.

Depending on where you work, you may belong to a union. This means that your wage rates and benefits are negotiated on your behalf by union representatives.

Sources: WorkBC Career Profiles and Career Cruising

What Is The Job Outlook In BC?

Some job openings will result from:

economic growth

replacing retiring workers

high worker turnover (due to the low pay and the physically and emotionally challenging nature of the work)

Growth may be negatively affected by both a declining birth rate and a reduction in the number of women with pre-school-age children entering the workforce. However, an increasing number of single-parent families will continue to be an additional source of job growth.

A decrease in the number of people enrolling in recognized early childhood care programs in some areas of the province has led to increased demand for workers in these occupations. In particular, the more northern rural communities in B.C. are experiencing a shortage of qualified workers.

Employment Outlook

How Do I Become an Early Childhood Educator?

completion of secondary school plus a diploma or degree in early childhood education

a clear criminal record check

current first aid and CPR certifications

Although certification as an early childhood educator is not required in BC, it can provide better employment opportunities.

In BC, certification as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) or an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) is available through the Early Childhood Educator Registry, administered by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development.

Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate Requirements

You may apply for three types of certificates:

One year ECE: completion of an ECE program from a recognized educational institution

Five year ECE: completion of an ECE program from a recognized educational institution PLUS 500 hours under the supervision of a certified early childhood educator

Infant & Toddler and/or Special Needs Educator: completion of all requirements for ‘Five year ECE’ PLUS completion of an Infant & Toddler and/or Special Needs program from an approved educational institution

Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) Certificate Requirements

As a first time applicant you must have completed, within the previous five years:

one course of a basic early childhood education program in either child development, child guidance or child health, safety and nutrition through a recognized educational institute

Renewal of the certificate is required every five years; at renewal, applicants must have completed 400 hours of relevant work experience.

Finding Advertised Jobs

Jobs are advertised in a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines and online job sites.

Local Newspapers

You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and in The Province on Sundays.

Reference Canada
Click on “Start Search” beside Canadian Businesses, then select the “Advanced Search” button.
Select both “Keyword/SIC/NAICS” under Business Type and “City” under Geography.
In the top search box enter “Child care service”** and click LOOKUP.
Select the appropriate headings.
Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the “View Results” button.**You can also try entering “Preschools” to find more company names.NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number).

Networking, Volunteering and Temporary Agencies

Many positions are filled by people who have been recommended by someone they know. Networking, working as a volunteer or registering with a temporary employment agency are good ways of helping you find jobs and meet people in your industry.

Networking and the Hidden Job Market:

When looking for work, be sure to talk to friends, relatives and neighbours. They may know someone who is hiring! Working as a volunteer, attending events, and joining clubs and associations are good ways to gain “Canadian experience.” They are also good ways to meet people to learn about the local job market.

Where Can This Job Lead?

With training and formal education, early childhood educators can take on the management of several programs within an agency or advance to the position of executive director of an agency. Early childhood educator assistants can become early childhood educators.